What If? So What?

Send us a textIn this episode of "What If? So What?" Jim chats with Brian Solis, a renowned futurist, author, and the Head of Global Innovation at ServiceNow, to discuss the evolving landscape of leadership and innovation. Brian shares insights from his latest book, "MindShift," and explores the importance of self-awareness, cognitive bias, and explains how the beginner's mindset can drive business transformation. The conversation delves into the role of storytelling in leadership, the impact of Generative AI, and the future of work.

Send us a textIn this episode of What If? So What?, Jim talks with Jennifer Baker, former CTO of Synovus. She shares her journey from unexpected career opportunities to becoming a trailblazing technology leader in the insurance and banking sectors, culminating in significant strides in product development, customer experience, and digital transformation. Beyond her professional accolades, Jennifer passionately advocates for education and empowerment of women and children through her nonprofit work. Her story is a masterclass in continuous learning, adaptability, and crafting of a career full of diverse experiences, which she likens to assembling "puzzle pieces."Hear Jennifer's insights on the critical need for mentorship and sponsorship to support women in technology, especially in a post-pandemic world. As a self-described "accidental CTO," Jennifer shares her journey embracing unforeseen opportunities and adapting in a rapidly changing digital world.

Send us a textIn this episode of What If? So What?, Jim sits down with Scott Brinker, VP of Platform Ecosystems at HubSpot and editor of chiefmartec.com, to explore the rapidly evolving world of marketing technology (MarTech). They discuss how the definition of MarTech is expanding alongside the changing role of marketers, from customer acquisition to retention. Scott delves into the complexities of technology consolidation, the rise of customer data platforms, and the challenge of digital fatigue. He highlights the importance of investing in people and creating space for experimentation to leverage MarTech tools fully. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or curious to learn more, this episode offers valuable insights on managing today's complex MarTech landscape.This episode is perfect for anyone navigating the flood of new marketing technologies and looking to maximize impact

Send us a text | In this episode, Ron Gaines, senior manager of marketing technology and analytics at Sunbelt Rentals, joins the show to discuss the evolving landscape of equipment rentals and the critical role digital transformation plays in it.  Ron shares insights into how Sunbelt Rentals is adapting to meet changing customer expectations, the importance of value communication, and the challenges of integrating digital tools with traditional sales tactics. He also offers valuable advice on staying connected with customers and ensuring that the job is truly done from start to finish.

Send us a text In this episode of the What If, So What podcast, Jim Hertzfeld speaks with Todd Unger, Chief Experience Officer of the American Medical Association and author of "The 10-Second Customer Journey." The conversation uncovered valuable insights on customer experience (CX) and its impact on business growth. Unger emphasized the importance of adapting to the rapid pace of customer decision-making in today's digital landscape and highlighted the need for organizations to unify their approach to customer experience, breaking down silos between product, marketing, commerce, and service departments. They discussed how small changes can lead to significant conversion rate increases, and that measurement is a critical aspect of CX strategy. Unger introduced the concept of a "customer friction index" and discussed the use of automated tools to identify pain points in real-time, such as detecting "rage clicks" on websites. The two also discussed alignment between marketing and CX initiatives, with a focus on growth while maintaining the operational capability to address day-to-day customer issues. The conversation underscored that effective CX is not just about high-level strategy but requires rolling up sleeves and tackling concrete problems that impact customer satisfaction and, ultimately, business growth.

Send us a textIn this episode, Jim Hertzfeld explores the convergence of the communications, media, and technology (CMT) industries with guest Kevin Colletti from Perficient. Jim and Kevin discuss how digital transformation is reshaping these industries, from bundled consumer services to the impact of 5G and IoT on businesses. Kevin offers practical advice for companies navigating this rapidly evolving landscape, providing listeners with a glimpse into the future of digital connectivity and its wide-ranging implications.

Send us a textIn this episode of “What If? So What?,” Jim chats with digital strategist Kevin Espinosa about the evolving landscape of manufacturing. Drawing from his diverse career experience, Kevin discusses major challenges facing the industry today, including supply chain issues, inflation, and labor shortages, while highlighting the transformative potential of connected products and the IoT. The conversation emphasizes the importance of customer-centric strategies, clear corporate goals, and cross-enterprise collaboration in navigating digital transformation in manufacturing.

Send us a textIn this compelling episode, host Jim Hertzfeld welcomes Carolyn Henry, vice president and general manager of Americas regional marketing at Intel. Together, they explore the pivotal role of semiconductors in the digital age and their fundamental impact on various industries and everyday life. Carolyn provides an in-depth look at Intel's groundbreaking work in AI and edge computing and reveals how these technologies are set to transform the future.The conversation takes an inspiring turn as Carolyn shares her passionate views on gender equity in tech. Highlighting the undeniable benefits of diverse teams, she delves into the steps needed to achieve gender parity and how Intel is leading the charge. This episode is packed with insightful anecdotes, practical advice, and a visionary outlook on the digital future and equitable workplace.

Send us a textIn this episode of "What If? So What?" Jim Hertzfeld sits down with Bradie Speller, a seasoned expert in the intersection of technology and organizational behavior, to dive deep into the concept of socio-technical systems. Bradie, who has a rich tech history going back to the early days of personal computing, discusses the evolution of technology from bulky mainframes to the sleek devices we use today. He emphasizes the crucial role of training and development in leveraging technology for business efficiency. The discussion centers on the essential integration of human capabilities with technological advancements to drive real change and productivity in any organization.Meet our guest: Bradie Speller is a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of experience in global strategy and transformation for Fortune 500 companies. He excels in leveraging human capital with business operational needs to drive bottom-line results for global enterprises. Bradie specializes in digital transformations, organizational restructuring, and M&A integrations, with a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. His leadership in digital adoption and organizational change has spurred growth, streamlined productivity, and saved millions for both profit and non-profit organizations. A thought leader in change and growth strategies, Bradie is committed to philanthropy, sustainability, and poverty reduction, advising a non-profit NGO and a cleantech firm. He volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters, leads a radical mentoring community, and is an accomplished musician.

Send us a textIn this episode of "What If? So What?" Jim talks with Neelima Sharma, the Senior Vice President of Ecommerce, Digital, and Technology at Lowe’s. They discuss the challenges and successes of transforming the retail industry through digital innovation. Neelima highlights the importance of teamwork, trust, and a customer-centric approach in driving the company's growth. And also emphasizes the significance of personalization and building long-term relationships with customers, especially in the home improvement sector. The conversation touches on topics such as the impact of COVID-19 on retail, the role of AI and human intuition in decision-making, and the importance of accurate inventory management. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights into the strategies and mindset required for successful digital transformation in the retail industry.Connect with, Neelima Sharma, the Senior Vice President of Ecommerce, Digital, and Technology at Lowe’sConnect with our host Jim Hertzfeld, Vice President, Strategy for Perficient

Send us a textIn this episode, Jim welcomes Claus Torp Jensen, a seasoned expert in digital transformation and innovation, to discuss the fascinating realms of ambient computing and digital twins. Claus shares his insights on how these technologies are transforming industries, the importance of a proper mindset for innovation, and the critical role of storytelling in driving change. Jim and Claus also delve into the confluence of factors that have brought these technologies to the forefront and the challenges companies face in adopting them.

Send us a textIn this episode, Jim Hertzfeld sits down with Mike Kosiek, technology product director at a Fortune 100 retailer, to explore the technological innovations shaping 2024 and beyond. The two delve into a discussion that spans practical applications of emerging tech to speculative technologies that could redefine industries. Discussion Highlights: ·        Retail Wisdom and Tech Innovation·        Personalization and Real-Time Applications·        Strategic Investments in Speculative Technologies·        Exploring Digital Twins and Augmented Reality·        The Potential of Blockchain·        Understanding the Metaverse·        Navigating the World of Cryptocurrency and NFTs

Send us a text In this episode of "What If? So What?" host Jim Hertzfeld sits down with James Hannis, the visionary chief architect at Cardinal Health. With a legacy in retail, James brings a unique perspective to the transformation of patient care through digital innovation. Dive into a discussion about the fusion of healthcare and retail strategies, the personalization of patient care, and the speed of service delivery that today's healthcare consumers expect.  Episode Highlights:  James describes his background in retail and how it shapes his approach at Cardinal Health The complexity of catering to diverse healthcare personas and ensuring tailored experiences The challenge of applying retail marketing strategies within the privacy-sensitive healthcare industry Insights on leveraging speed and agility to improve customer engagement in a B2B healthcare settingThe evolution of Cardinal Health's digital platforms to meet the ever-changing landscape of healthcare distribution and patient interaction  Timestamps:  0:58 – Introducing James Hannis and Cardinal Health 2:28 – The shift toward personalized healthcare experiences 4:56 – Adapting retail speed to healthcare delivery 6:39 – Overcoming privacy and tech hurdles in health personalization 8:38 – James's advice for embracing digital speed in traditional businesses

Send us a text In this episode of “What If? So What?” Jim sits down with Keith Tomatore, a seasoned automotive industry veteran and leader of Perficient’s automotive practice. Together, they embark on a journey into the electrifying future of the automotive industry.  Keith shares his unique journey from his start at Swiss Army Brands to spearheading digital transformation in the automotive industry, emphasizing the importance of customer connection and innovative thinking. The conversation covers the driving forces behind automotive electrification, the state of the industry, and the significant impacts on OEMs, suppliers, dealers, and consumers alike.  With a special focus on Perficient’s comprehensive study around electrification, Keith unveils startling geographic disparities, evolving consumer behaviors, and strategic insights for stakeholders navigating this shift.   For more insights on automotive electrification visit: Automotive Electrification / Perficient  Connect with Keith “KT” Tomatore Connect with Jim Hertzfeld, Area Vice President of Strategy

Send us a textIn the latest episode of "What If, So What?" host Jim Hertzfeld invites Eisaiah Engel, author of "Innovation Casino," to dive deep into the essence of innovation in today's business landscape. Engel shares his unique perspective on tackling innovation challenges across the spectrum as he and Jim explore the critical role of innovation in achieving differentiated, premium branding and generating alpha returns.  This episode is a must-listen for digital leaders seeking actionable strategies to harness innovation for enduring growth. Connect with Eisaiah EngelConnect with Jim Hertzfeld, Area Vice President of Strategy, Perficient

Send us a textIn this episode, Jim talks with Kristine Swan, VP, Global Head of Digital Transformation & IT at Bayer Crop Science, to dive into the revolutionary role of digital innovation in agriculture. They unpack the challenges of modern farming, from climate change to food security, and explore cutting-edge solutions like carbon sequestration and regenerative agriculture. Kristine shares her journey from a farming background to leading digital strategies that bolster sustainable practices and enhance productivity. The episode highlights how digital tools empower farmers, influence sustainable outcomes, and open new markets like carbon credits. Kristine's insights offer a blueprint for integrating digital approaches in traditional sectors to drive meaningful change.  Connect with Kristine, Vice President of Digital Transformation Connect with our Host, Jim Hertzfeld, Principal & Chief Strategist

Send us a text In our latest episode, we're joined by May Habib, CEO of Writer, for an enlightening conversation on how Generative AI is revolutionizing digital strategies. We dive into the significance of AI guardrails, navigate the journey towards AI literacy, and present practical strategies for integrating AI into your business operations. Tune in to learn how leveraging Generative AI can propel your organization forward and keep you at the forefront of digital innovation. Connect with May Habib  Connect with our Host, Jim Hertzfeld, Area Vice President, Strategy

Send us a textIn this episode, Jim Hertzfeld speaks with Nico Frantzen, director of data and AI solutions at Perficient, as they explore the transformative role of generative AI in business intelligence (BI). Nico explains how generative AI and BI come together to create generative BI, which revolutionizes decision-making and data analysis and enables businesses to access insights faster and more effectively. This is a must-listen for anyone eager to understand the future of BI across industries. Connect with Nico Frantzen, Director, Data & AI SolutionsConnect with our Host, Jim Hertzfeld, Principal and Chief Strategist

Send us a textIn this episode, Jim and Kim talk with Justin Racine, director, and lead commerce strategist at Perficient, and explore the concept of unified commerce and its impact on customer experiences and business growth. Learn how you can leverage the technology you already have to make customers feel more connected to your brand.Connect with Justin Racine.Connect with our hosts, Perficient’s Jim Hertzfeld, principal and chief Strategist, and Kim Williams-Czopek, GM of global commerce.

Send us a textIn this episode, Jim talks with Luca Ranzani, team captain of MRacing at the University of Michigan, about taking what he has learned in the classroom and building upon it in the real world. Listen to this week’s episode to learn more about how Luca applies his education and real-life experience to build racecars and lead his team, as well as our Electrifying the Future of Automotive Program.Connect with Luca Ranzani. Connect with our Perficient hosts Jim Hertzfeld, principal, and chief strategist at Perficient. Learn more about our Electrifying the Future of Automotive.